...a voice that neither he nor Vala recognized, drifted from one of his pockets.

The voice repeated the same words again.

"John? Aeryn?"

"Cam, what was that?"

"I think it was that thing Jack gave me."

"I thought we couldn't get it to work?"

"We couldn't, but now it's working.."

"John? Aeryn? It's Zhaan." The voice come from Cam's inside pocket on his jacket, and he dug it out.

"How does it work." Vala made a move to grab the device from Cam's hand, but he swerved out of her way.

"I dunno. There's no buttons..."

"John, thank the goddess you're ok. Is Aeryn with you?"

"Uh, yeah. She's here." Cam shrugged his shoulders as Vala glared at him.

"Where are D'Argo and Rygel?" The soft, calm voice continued.

"Uh, I don't know. Look, something's happened and it's kind've hard to explain. Where are you, we'll meet you there."

"We'll come in a transport pod and get you. Where are you?"

"England. Where are you?"

"We are on Moya, hiding near your moon. Where is this England?"

"Uh, never mind. There's too many people around for you to come pick us up. Can you check back with us in a few days? We've still got some things to take care of."

"John, we can't stay for long. We must go before the wormhole closes."

"Go, just let us know when you get back." Cam watched Dr. Jackson stare at them, the disbelief gone from his face.

"May the goddess be with you."

"Who was that?" Vala looked at Cam, her hands on her hips.

"She said her name was Zhaan or something."

"What's going on? What just happened?" Dr. Jackson pointed at the device in Cam's palm.

"I'm not too sure myself..."

"I could understand you, but the other voice, that was like no language I've ever heard before. And now her," Dr. Jackson turned to stare at Vala. "She was speaking just fine before, and now I can't make heads or tails of what she's saying!"

"Really?" Vala shook her head at Cam, who sent her an inquiring look.

"How can you understand each other if you don't speak the same languages? You don't even seem to realise that you are speaking differently! How is that possible?"

"Uh, did we go through the whole translator thing with you?" Cam couldn't remember if he had.

"What?"

"We've been injected with something that helps us to understand all languages."

"You or this John?"

"John, but this way I can understand everyone, no matter what they're saying."

"That's incredible."

"Do you believe us now, Daniel?" Vala concentrated and spoke in English.

"A little more than I did. I still need to think about it, and talk to my wife."

"By all means, Vala, c'mon, lets go."

Cam almost had to drag Vala out of the office, but once outside, he closed the door, watching as Dr. Jackson slumped in his chair, and ran his hands through his hair. Regardless of what Dr. Jackson had said, Cam knew that he would help them. Essentially he was the same as Daniel, and would be too inquisitive to let this go.

Back in Houston, Cam stopped by Dr. Carters office to let her know about the device working. When he told her that Moya was somewhere around the moon, she became excited and started making plans to scan the area for any sight of them. Cam stopped her by begging her not to. If she found Moya, what then? This was one of his chances to go home, and he didn't want the US military trying to destroy them. He told her that if the ship was discovered, then his and Vala's cover would be blown, and she'd probably be questioned as to their whereabouts. Dr. Carter relented, and promised she wouldn't go looking for the ship.

As it was quite warm outside, Vala had stayed in the hotel, as both of them were unsure of how much heat she could tolerate. When he returned to the room, Vala turned off the TV and bombarded him with questions. He told her about his conversation with Dr. Carter in a few short sentences.

"So now what?" Vala flopped back on the couch, not quite satisfied with what he had told her.

"I have a phone call to make."

"Who to? Daniel?"

"No, Jack. I asked him to look up General O'Neill for me, see what he's up to now."

"Why do we need him?" Vala had never worked with the General off world, but had gotten to know him as he visited the SGC often..

"He's a brilliant tactician, and if he's anything like our General O'Neill, we will probably need his skills."

"For what?"

"I doubt there's a gate here, so we have to go find the communication device ourselves. We have no idea what's out there, Vala, and I don't want to risk getting us killed, or the people we're in."

"We're going to go on Moya?"

"Seems like the best plan right now."

Cam picked up the phone, and dialed the number Jack had given him. Vala listened to Cam's side of the conversation, until she became bored, and turned on the TV. When Cam hung up she looked at him expectantly, waiting for whatever news he would have.

"Jack found him."

"General O'Neill?" Vala turned the TV on mute, and took a seat next to Cam on the couch.

"It's just as that newspaper article said, he's an ex Colonel. Lives up in Minnesota."

"Ok, so why did you ask your dad to find out something we already knew?"

"That article was a few years old, he could've moved, or something, for all I knew. From what Jack told me, General O'Neill's story is the same as this world, up till the first mission to Abydos."

"Ok, so what's the significance of that?" Vala didn't really know any of the back stories of her teammates, except Daniel. He had told her a fair bit about his experiences in the past 15 years. The General was still largely a mystery to her, as something about him warned her to stay away from those kind of questions. The rumours that emerged on the base, when the General paid a visit, never mentioned his past, only his contributions to the SGC and the adventures he had participated in.

"I don't know the entire story, only what Jackson's mentioned, and from some of my buddies who heard of him before." Cam sighed as he contemplated what to tell Vala.

"Are you going to continue?"

"Vala, what I'm about to tell you is not gossip, it's not to tell anyone else." Cam knew he had to tell her something, as if and when the did meet the former Colonel, he didn't want her saying, or doing anything to send him over the edge.

"Got it. A secret."

"Before the first mission to Abydos, the General's son died in a horrible accident. The boy shot himself with O'Neill's personal gun. From what Daniel told me, O'Neill was a mess after, his marriage dissolving around him, and he blamed himself for his son's death. When O'Neill went through the gate the first time, he was supposed to nuke the place, so the enemy couldn't return."

"A suicide mission?" Vala was horrified to hear that the rumour surrounding the General's son's death was true.

"Yes. But something changed him, and he came back a different man. The gate was left alone, until Apophis' Jaffa dialed Earth, and took someone back with them. General O'Neill was re-activated, and stayed with the program for 10 years, until he left for Washington."

"But here, he never went through the gate."

"Exactly. Here, in this reality, his son died, and his wife divorced him shortly after. All Jack could tell me was that O'Neill lives in Minnesota, and I'm going to assume he has a cabin up there, like he does in our reality."

"So what are you saying?"

"This O'Neill, well, he probably won't be like the General O'Neill we know."

"In what way?"

"I'm not too sure, but we'll find out when we get there."

Cam relaxed a little as they started driving. He was a little nervous about meeting Jack O'Neill, but was glad to be on the way. He was concerned about their dwindling funds, as the flight and the car rental had taken most of what was left. Once they had found O'Neill, they would have to find some source of income before they could travel anywhere else. Fortunately, this time of year, the weather was supposed to stay quite cool, so Vala could get a job too.

Cam had only been to the cabin once, with General Landry. He had gotten lost that time, and was determined not to take the same wrong turn this time. Vala would never let him hear the end of it. They drove through the small town and stopped for a quick lunch. Cam, wanting to stretch his legs a little, asked Vala if she would mind if they took a short walk, see what the town had to offer, and find a motel. The lady at the diner gave them directions to the only two motels within the town limits, and they started towards them. As they passed a residential area, Vala spotted a man, perched precariously on top of a ladder.

"Now that doesn't look safe."

"No it doesn't."

"What's he doing up there?" Vala stopped, curious.

"Looks like he's doing some repairs on the house..."

Suddenly the man's ladder slipped to the side, and the man grabbed onto the gutter, his feet dangling trying to find the ladder. Cam ran forward to help before the man fell. As Vala followed behind him, Cam picked up the fallen ladder from the ground, and propped it up underneath the man. Cam held the ladder firmly in place until the man climbed down to solid ground.

"Hey, thanks man."

"No problem."

"Knew I shouldn'ta done this job today. Name's Ken." Ken held his hand out towards Cam.

"Cam Mitchell." Cam took the offered hand, and introduced Vala.

"You folks visitin' these parts?"

"Yeah, just stopping by." Cam subconsciously placed his arm around Vala's shoulders, and drew her closer.

"Got a place to stay?"

"Not yet, but we've got directions to the motels."

"How long ya plannin' on staying?" Ken folded the ladder up, and started walking back towards the road.

"Depends. We've got a, uh, friend, to see first."

"And, if we can find work here." Cam stared at Vala in shock. He had voiced his concern about their dwindling bank account, but hadn't expected her to admit that they were looking for work to a complete stranger.

"Well, I might be able to help you out with that. See, my nephew, Paul, he's sick, and I've got a ton of work to do. Repairs from the winters storms and the like. Only one in this area qualified to do most of it. You had any experience?" Ken looked Cam up and down.

"Not really, other than around the house jobs I helped my dad with, but I learn quickly." Cam jumped at the chance to make some money quickly.

"What about me?" Vala looked at Ken brightly as if expecting the same offer.

"Uh, my wife, she's been lookin for someone to help her in the diner."

"You've had some experience with that, Vala." Vala's smile fell as she remembered how that experience had come about.

"Great! When can you start?" Ken looked pointedly at Cam, who hesitated.

"Uh, we kinda wanted to go see that friend of ours first. How 'bout tomorrow."

"Sounds good. Meet me at the diner, at say, 8am?"

"Great."

"And you, young lady, I'll let my wife know to expect you at the same time. If you've got some experience, I'm sure she'll take ya on."

"Thank you."

Cam and Vala watched as Ken loaded the ladder onto his truck, climbed in, and drove off.

"Well, that was unexpected."

"I'll say."

"Good thing I mentioned the whole job thing." Vala smiled brightly at Cam, as they continued walking.

"Yes, Vala, thank you."

Less than an hour later, they were driving towards O'Neill's cabin. The butterflies that had been absent from Cam's stomach for the past few hours, returned in full force. He knew that Jack O'Neill had a temper. There were many stories still floating around the base from when he had lost it, even from years and years ago. Cam really didn't want to deal with a furious O'Neill, but assumed that at some point, he would be.

Cam drove the car slowly up the long driveway to the cabin.

"Is that him?" Vala pointed towards a man swinging an axe at several blocks of wood.

"Yup. That's him." Cam stopped the car, and turned off the engine. Vala undid her seat belt and pulled the door handle.

"What's wrong?"

"He's got an axe." Jack O'Neill was a deadly man to reckon with, unarmed or armed.

"So?" Vala climbed out of the car. Cam swore and got out quickly, running a few steps to catch up to Vala.

"You folks lost?" Jack turned towards them, still holding the axe.

"No. We're right where we're supposed to be."

"Sir, what she means, is that we're looking for you." Cam hastened to explain before Vala could say any more.

"Sir? You military?"

"Yes Sir. Colonel Cameron Mitchell, US Air..."

"Not interested. What do you want?" The slight hint of friendliness he had given them at first, assuming them to be lost, had disappeared, to be replaced by a cold tone, and a look of hatred in his eyes.

"I... we, need to talk to you."

"She military too?" Jack couldn't disguise his wariness towards Vala.

"No."

"I retired over 10 years ago. What could the US government want with me now?"

"Sir, it's us that needs your help. We're, well, we're not from around here.."

"Ya don't say." Cam recognized the sarcasm, at least this man was still similar to their O'Neill in that respect.

"We're from another Earth." Vala spoke, thinking that she was helping explain their situation.

"Ah. Ok. Sure. I can give you directions to the nearest gas station, from there, its up to you where you go." Jack picked up the axe, and took another swing at the wood.

"Sir, she's telling the truth. In my reality, you're a General, in charge of Homeworld Security. You ran the SGC for a year, and before that, you were the leader of SG-1 for 7 years."

"SGC?"

"Stargate Command. It's under Cheyenne Mountain. We don't think the gate exists here, and that's why you aren't in Washington in this reality. Look, I know it sounds crazy, but it's real where I'm from."

"Uhuh. So you drove all the way up here to tell me some crazy story? Well, you're done. Now you can go." Jack turned his back on Cam and Vala, and walked towards the cabin.

"Sir, many things are the same between this reality and mine. The team I have, we've visited them, or this Earth's version of them. All their histories are similar to what they are in my reality. Yours is too. As far as I know, the only difference between the General O'Neill and you, is that the General went on that first trip through the gate. It changed him and his whole life."

"Look Colonel. I don't know what you're trying to do here, but it's time you left. I want you off my property now, and don't you dare come back." Jack spat the words out as he gripped the axe tightly with his right hand.

"Please..."

"Vala, let's go." Cam whispered to Vala as he pulled her back towards the car. Once they were driving back towards the town, Vala spoke up.

"I thought you said we needed him."

"I didn't say that. We could certainly use him, but..."

"You knew this would happen. Why did you even try?"

"I had to try."

"Why?"

"Something about the stargate program changed his life. He didn't have that opportunity here..."

"So you thought that you could give him a chance?"

"Yeah, something like that. I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't know him before I joined SG-1, and I'd only heard of him briefly when I was training to fly the F-302's, but from what Daniel told me, he was an unhappy and bitter man. Look at him now! He seems happy. Why not give this version of him that kind of chance?"

"Daniel said that once to me. I remember I asked him why the General was so happy when he was at the SGC."

"Well, you know the answer to that one now I hope." Cam turned to Vala and grinned.

"Of course I do. How can you miss those two... Cam, deer!!"

Cam swerved to avoid hitting the deer that had wandered onto the road. Cursing his lack of attention, he refocused on the road, while Vala started talking about the possibility of working in a diner again.

A week later, their original plans to move on had changed. Ken's nephew remained to ill to work, so Cam offered to stay on, as they had had no more communication with those on Moya. He didn't mind the work, even though the weather didn't want to co-operate some days. Vala had been hired by Jenny at the diner, and while she didn't relish the chance to work in a diner, she did enjoy the people there. They had stayed in the motel for a few nights until one of the locals offered them a small cabin, just on the outskirts of the town, for a fraction of the normal rent.

Cam had been worried about gossip surrounding them within the town. He had thought that two people showing up in a small town, geting jobs, and seemingly settling down, would rouse suspicion. In anticipation of such gossip, he and Vala had discussed what to say to people when the subject was brought up. When asked by Jenny, Cam had replied that they had moved on doctors reccomendations for Vala. Everyone seemed to accept that, as no more questions had been asked.

Lunch breaks while working, varied greatly depending on what Cam and Ken were working on. The time changed daily, but the place never did. Jenny's Diner was always the location for lunch, and she never charged them a penny. Usually, Ken would greet his wife, then join Cam at a table. If it wasn't Jenny taking their order, it was Vala. Cam was surprised at how busy the diner could get somedays, but Jenny always had a table for them.

One particulary busy day, as Jenny was taking their order, the bells above the door signaled that yet another hungry person had entered. Jenny dashed towards the newcommer before finishing their order. Cam looked questioningly at Vala, whose eyes opened wide. Cam turned towards the door and saw Jack O'Neill being led over to their table.

"Sorry Jack, but you'll have to sit with these guys. There's no free tables right now."

"No problem, Jen. Hey Ken, long time no see!"

"You should drive into town more often then. Have a seat. This is Cam, my recent assistant." Ken's tone was friendly towards Jack, and Cam could see Jack's face looked a little more relaxed.

"Yeah, met him already."

"When?"

"So, you boys ready to order?"

Jenny had returned in the nick of time. Lunch continued and Cam stayed silent, watching the interaction between Ken and Jack. Vala stayed away from them, not wanting to have Jack make a comment on their meeting. As soon as Cam was finished, he excused himself, and wandered outside. Not long after, Ken emerged, and the two headed to their next job.

"When d'ya meet Jack?"

"Uh, few days ago."

"Doesn't come to town too often, but Jen likes to see him when he does. Lived here for 10 or so years now. Got a cabin a ways up the road."

"Oh yeah." Cam had nothing else to say.

"He's a good man. Helped some people out a few years back when a liquor store got robbed. Quiet, likes to be left alone, but we got to know him over time."

That night, as the two of them prepared supper, the same calm female voice could be heard from the entrance to the cabin. Cam dashed for his coat, and pulled out the device.

"Hello?"

"John. We've returned. We are coming to get you."

"Here? Now?"

"Yes, why is there a problem?"

Cam looked at Vala, who shrugged at him.

"Cam, this could be our way home."

"But we can't just dissapear."

"What will it matter if we don't return?"

"And if we do?" Vala saw what Cam was getting at. They couldn't just dissapear for a few days, or weeks, then suddenly return if their mission was unsuccsessful.

"If they can fly down here and get us, what's to stop us returning. I've got two days off, as do you. We could go check it out, and return before we have to work again." Cam pondered Vala's suggestion.

"Ok. We'll try it. See what happens."

Cam picked up the device to tell the woman on the other end, to come and get them.

AN: Quick comment, but I had to start calling O'Neill, Jack about halfway through this episode. John's dad, Jack Crichton, only is in this chapter earlier on, during the phone conversation. I hope it wasn't too confusing. Sorry about the delay. Thanks to all of you who reviewed the last chapter. What d'ya think of this one?